Russia test-fires Iskander missile near Astrakhan

Russian military test-fired a nuclear-capable short-range Iskander missile at the Kapustin Yar military shooting range near the city of Astrakhan, 1150 km (720 miles) south of Moscow.

A video of the launch released by Russia's Defence Ministry showed the missile complex driving to a firing position and a missile being launched. It also showed the missile hitting the ground and exploding at an undisclosed location. According to the ministry the target simulated enemy's ground object.

Iskander's range is officially claimed to be about 500 km (300 miles). It can fire two types of missiles including ballistic missiles and cruise missiles.

SS